Innovative 3D production solutions at NAB 2011

At the NAB 2011 conference in Las Vegas, Sony Professional today showed its commitment to developing end-to-end 3D production solutions for a wide range of applications including broadcasting, movies and live sports.

Sony has expanded its range of 3D production solutions with two new 3D camcorders; the PMW-TD300 shoulder mounted 3D camcorder and the compact HXR-NX3D1 3D XDCAM camcorder. Both the PMW-TD300 and HXR-NX3D1 have been designed to deliver stunning 3D images in high-definition, while offering maximum flexibility and mobility regardless of the shooting environment. Sony also announced a new 3D-Link option for the PMW-F3 digital cinema camcorder, enabling greater efficiency for shooting 3D using a rig system.

Other additions to Sony’s 3D range include new application software for the MPE-200 3D processor box, which allows real time analysis and correction of stereoscopic 3D signals. The new MVS-7000X multi-format production switcher is capable of 3 Gbps single-link operation that is suitable for even the most demanding live 3D production requirements. Furthermore, at NAB Sony announced SRMemory, a high-speed, high capacity recording media which turns 3D file-base production work flow into reality.

Summary of 3D announcements

• PMW-TD300 shoulder mounted 3D camcorder
• HXR-NX3D1 compact dual-lens type 3D camcorder
• 3D-Link for PMW-F3 digital cinema camcorder
• Expanded application software compatible for MPE-200 multi-image processor
• MPES-3DQC1 3D quality control software
• MPES-3D01 stereo image processor software (Ver. 1.3)
• MPES-2D3D1 2D/3D Converter Software (Ver. 1.1)
• MVS-7000X, MCS-8M, DFS-900M switchers
• SRMASTER product family featuring SRMemory storage media with up to 5 Gbps high-speed / high-volume recording

3D Acquisition

The PMW-TD300 is a highly versatile shoulder-mounted 3D camcorder which uses two optical lens equipped with three ½-type CMOS sensors. The camcorder can be used for high-definition 3D shooting for applications including documentaries, news and other events. The HXR-NX3D1 also uses a dual-lens, incorporating two ¼-type CMOS sensors which record stunning 3D images using the AVCHD format. Both camcorders have been developed by Sony in response to demand from the industry for more flexible and low-cost 3D production solutions. Using the new 3D-Link option on the PMW-F3, it is now possible to set two camcorders on a 3D rig, enabling the shallow depth of field achieved by 2D cameras.

Image Processing

At NAB, Sony announced that it has expanded its line-up of application software compatible with its MPE-200 multi-image processor, a truly innovative product which is setting standards for live 3D production. The MPES-3D01 3D software suite allows automatic and manual correction of images which can dramatically save on configuration time. In addition, the MPES-2D3D1 software suite is able to convert 2D materials in stereoscopic 3D, based on Sony’s unique algorithm. Moreover, new 3D quality control software from Sony can perform real-time analysis of binocular disparity between the left and right image, helping to overcome the distortion issues which can make 3D viewing uncomfortable.

Recording and editing

When shooting on location, production switchers are an essential component of creating high-quality, compelling 3D content. Following on from the high-end MVS-8000X, which can handle up to 200 inputs and 100 outputs, Sony has developed the MVS-7000X, which has 80 inputs and 48 output, ideal for medium-scale 3D productions. Both products are compatible with a 3G single-link operation which together with optional 3D utility software can help to simplify the set-up of 3D Productions. The new MCS-8M and DFS-900M switchers can also be used for smaller 3D events through a software upgrade.

At NAB, Sony is introducing the SR-R1000 storage unit, the first memory-based studio deck from the SRMASTER product family. The SR-R1000 has four slots for SRMemory cards, which can record at sustained data rates up to 5 Gbps. It can be configured with up to four input/output ports, each of which can handle a 3D feed. Simultaneous recording and playback of multiple-streams from a single SR-R1000 makes it ideal for a range of studio, live and post production applications. Sony also launched the SR-R1 SRMASTER portable recorder which is perfect for small-scale 3D productions.

3D viewing